Jaguar XF Sportbrake

For those who like the distinctive appearance of Jaguar’s XF model but are held back by the lack of cargo space, the XF Sportbrake should be a welcome sight. The Jaguar XF Sportbrake is based on the underpinnings of the XF sedan, but with a estate car rear end tacked on. It offer 1,675 litres (60 cubic feet) of cargo space (with the rear seats folded away), despite being only 5mm (1/4 inch) longer than the sedan.

Jaguar say that due to some clever engineering, the chassis rigidity of the XF Sportbrake is only fractionally less than that in the sedan. Under the car there are extensive changes to the rear suspension. The self-levelling air suspension is designed to improve the handling, while also allowing the XF Sportbrake to serve as a competent tow vehicle. Every panel on the XF Sportbrake, from the B-Pillar rearwards, is new. The silver signature line running the length of the car has been extended while the C-Pillar is finished in gloss black, a styling element shared with the XJ saloon.
The Jaguar XF Sportbrake has been fitted with a number of features any luxury-home-owning countryphile will find pleasing. The rear seats can be folded remotely, meaning sir doesn’t have to strain himself leaning into the car to make extra room for his antique furniture. While powerful LED lights illuminate the ground below the open rear door to make sure nobody steps on the corgis at night. Optional power struts make light work of opening the rear door. While the standard soft-close function keeps everything quiet during closing. Set into the cargo floor is a panel that splits into three sections to allow smaller loads to be neatly stored, preventing precious or fragile cargo from being bounced around. A tray mounted under the floor helps protect valuable items.

Powering the Jaguar XF Sportbrake will be a range of diesel engines – in the UK at least – including a 2.2 litre four cylinder and a 3.0 litre six-cylinder. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic. No word yet as to whether the XF Sportbrake will make it Stateside.